What is the Rapture and is it real?

The rapture is widely taught and believed in Christianity today. Popular books and movies spin themes around this doctrine that essentially teaches Christ will come back twice, first coming only into the atmosphere to snatch believers away to heaven for several years; then actually returning to set foot on the earth.

Is there a pretribulation rapture?

This would have been news to Christians — both Catholic and Protestant — living prior to the 18th century, since the concept of a pretribulation rapture was unheard of prior to that time.

What is the day of the Lord and the Rapture?

Both Darby and Scofield claimed that the “day of Christ” refers to the rapture and that “the day of the Lord” refers to the actual second coming several years after the rapture. In fact, “the day of the Lord” and “the day of Christ” both refer to Christ’s return to the earth throughout the Bible—that is, to the time when He will step foot on earth.

What is the main argument for the Rapture?

All advocates of the rapture agree that the main argument is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. American King James Version×. Here the argument stands or falls.

Is the Rapture a premillennial doctrine?

Premillennialists often give much attention to the doctrine of the “rapture.” According to this doctrine, when Christ returns, all of the elect who have died will be raised and transformed into a glorious state, along with the living elect, and then be caught up to be with Christ.

What are the different views about the timing of the Rapture?

There are different views regarding the timing of the rapture in relation to the events of the tribulation period and the appearance of the Antichrist. Our ministry holds to a pretribulational view of the rapture —the view that all believers in Christ will be taken to heaven before the events of the tribulation period begin.

What will happen after the Rapture?

We believe this event ends the church age, and believers will “be with the Lord forever” following the rapture ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ). We believe that, after the rapture, the seven-year tribulation period that is described in Daniel and Revelation will begin.